After 26 days, activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his indefinite hunger strike on Thursday night, in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. Wangchuk was admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after his health worsened during the hunger strike in support of students demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms in the education system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Wangchuk has been deliberating with the government over the last two days, demanding written assurances that the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) demands would be met before he ended his hunger strike. The government sat on this for two days, after which it finally agreed to do so.
Late last night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a video addressing the protest, in which he announced the establishment of fast-track courts and promised to enact a law to ensure strict punishment for those found guilty.
Soon after, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh rushed to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. They met Wangchuk around 12:30 a.m., following which he decided to end his hunger strike. Nadda offered him lime juice to break his fast.
"Just now in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda, Dr Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, I finally broke my fast after 26 days," Wangchuk said in a post on X.
After Wangchuk announced the end of his hunger strike, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X, "I urge Sonam ji to follow his daily routine as advised by the doctors and regain his weight as soon as possible. I pray to the Almighty that Sonam ji remains healthy," the Prime Minister added.
Wangchuk lost 11 kg over the last 26 days and developed severe health issues. On July 18, the Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk from the protest site to Safdarjung Hospital, stating he required medical attention. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenged the move before the Delhi High Court, contending that he was being kept in the government hospital against his wishes. The high court subsequently facilitated his transfer to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he continued his fast.
Three written assurances
The government's written assurance states three key points. First, no cases will be filed against those who peacefully protested at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and those who participated in the march to Parliament on July 20, 2026.
The Union Health Minister further said that the government has already assured discussions in Parliament on paper leaks and education reforms for exams. Besides, the government is also positively considering suitable compensation for the suicide victims of recent NEET paper leaks.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday said it was "relieved and grateful" that activist Sonam Wangchuk had ended his 26-day hunger strike, but asserted that its peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
In a post on X, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke thanked Wangchuk for his "extraordinary courage and sacrifice".
"We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days. Thank you, sir, for your extraordinary courage and sacrifice. By putting your own life on the line, you awakened the conscience of an entire nation. Your life is far too precious to this country," Dipke said.
"The Cockroach Janta Party's peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns," he added.
